Document Scanning software is used to exclude the burden of physical documents and they can be safely secured in the computers. Most of these come with multiple storage options to save the scanned digital files and also to recover files in case you accidentally lose them in the future. It also frees people from waiting in the long queues for getting the photocopy of the documents, now they can be scanned and used.
Document Scanner software can auto-generate a digital file of the original document, which saves people a lot of time comparing with typing every word manually in computer. Some scanner software can convert scanned image into readable and editable documents.
If your business is on a tight budget and is willing to compromise on some premium features, then a free or open source document scanning software system may be a perfect fit for you.
We have listed some of the best free and open source Document Scanning software which can help you to scan, save and edit physical documents into digital format with great efficiency and accuracy.
Top Open Source Document Scanning Software
NAPS2 lets you easily scan documents and edit with your chosen settings, for different devices and configurations. You can save, email, or print with only a couple clicks and it can be converted to different formats (PDF, TIFF, JPEG, PNG, or other file types). They support command line interface(CLI) for automation and scripting which helps power users and large businesses.
Compatible with both WIA and TWAIN scanner drivers as well as settings like DPI, page size, and bit depth. Scanning from a glass flatbed or an automatic document feeder (ADF) includes duplex support also. It is also capable of identifying text using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) in over 100 languages. NAPS2 is completely free to use for individual users and businesses.
Top Free Document Scanning Software
Office Lens trims, enhances, and makes pictures of whiteboards and documents readable. You can use Office Lens to convert images to different file formats, and can even save them to cloud drives like OneNote, OneDrive, Google Drive. Office Lens can be integrated with HoloLens and it is compatible with Windows and mobiles devices as well.
Office Lens digitizes notes from whiteboards or blackboards, important documents or business cards. Saving notes and sketches are also easier with OfficeLens. Printed and handwritten text will be automatically recognized using OCR. Office Lens is available for free in Windows Store for PCs and Play Store/AppStore for mobile devices.
CloudScan is a completely free document scanning software. It provides a new, simple way to scan your documents, pictures or photos and save them into PDF files. Cloud can be successfully used on one computer. The simple, friendly interface provides results in seconds. If you have more than one PC (home or office network), just install the SharedScanner component to one PC, and use it from almost any other computer or device without installation.
CloudScan can be used to redact any scanned document for security purposes. It has options to enhance and edit images after scanning. It is compatible with almost all TWAIN scanners. It can be installed on all version of Windows and also works in any web browser(irrespective of the OS).
CamScanner is one of the best mobile scanner available in the market. It can scan, save, archive and upload any physical document in mere seconds with a mobile device. Various editing options are also available in an easy to use interface. The scanned documents can be synced with any cloud drive and can also be shared in social media seamlessly.
CamScanner reads text from images using advanced OCR methods and it supports almost 20 different languages. It also supports wireless printing and fax services. Some advanced features like smart recognition, unlimited storage, collaboration, etc. are available only in the paid version.
PaperScan can be used to control all the nearby scanning devices. It provides the flatbed and document feeder support. One can easily use the already existing PDF and images for scanning and editing. It helps to adjust, edit and enhance the image quality by auto-desk, and remove punch holes, borders, and blank pages. PaperScan is compatible with Windows10.
PaperScan takes the approach of upgrading your scanner’s software to a more robust solution to get the most out of the device. It offers a free tier if you just need basic scanner functionality with limited features. The paid version of PaperScan comes with plenty of features including support for over 30 languages, optical character recognition (OCR), and the ability to manipulate PDFs (such as annotating them with sticky notes).
Conclusion
These are the top free and open source Document Scanning software which can be used to effectively digitize your documents. They have almost all the essential features and is very much suitable for all businesses and organizations. Check them out and choose the one that fits your needs the best.
